Invader: Imperial Agent #4 by Simon Scarrow & T.J. Andrews

Author:Simon Scarrow & T.J. Andrews [Scarrow, Simon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Headline
Published: 2015-04-23T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

‘Fetch the centurion’s body!’ Vespillo ordered before he climbed back down the gatehouse ladder.

Figulus and Scylla were quiet as they emerged onto the main thoroughfare. Three auxiliaries tentatively removed the locking bar and opened the main gate just wide enough to permit a man to slip through. One of the men cautiously made his way through the gap and returned a few moments later carrying Ambustus’s severed head. The other two followed close behind, dragging the centurion’s body. Out the corner of his eye Figulus noticed Ancasta watching with a shocked expression as she stood by the gate.

Meanwhile Vespillo ordered those auxiliaries fit enough to wield a sword to make for their positions along the palisade in case of an enemy attack. Others were sent to the stores to fetch bundles of javelins and quivers of arrows to stack at the foot of the rampart, ready for use. Figulus instructed Vatia and the other two legionaries to take up their places on the palisade among the Batavians. The soldiers went about their tasks in a grim mood.

As they made their preparations, Scylla weighed up the Druids’ ultimatum.

‘It’s obvious we can’t agree to their terms,’ the imperial envoy said at last.

‘No,’ Figulus replied softly.

‘Even if surrender was an option, we can’t trust this Druid priest to honour his word and grant us safe passage.’

‘Honour?’ Figulus laughed cynically. ‘I don’t think the Druids know the meaning of the word.’

Scylla nodded. ‘Then it’s clear what we must do. We wait for the reinforcements from the Second Legion to reach us. Once that happens we can drive the enemy out of Lindinis. Two cohorts of legionaries ought to be sufficient for the task. The Druids’ rebellion will be short-lived. And then we shall avenge those we have lost.’

‘And if the enemy attack us first?’

Scylla glanced round to make sure no one was listening. ‘It might be for the best if you and I take the spare horses in the stables and meet the relief column on the road from Calleva. The auxiliaries can fend for themselves until the column reaches the fort.’ He saw the look of disgust on Figulus’s face and frowned. ‘I’m the official representative of Emperor Claudius in Britannia, Optio. Not some piddling Batavian ranker. I can’t afford to be captured by the Druids. Think of the embarrassment it would cause back in Rome.’

Figulus could not help sneering. It was obvious that the envoy was more afraid of being captured by the Druids than any political consequences back in Rome. He thrust aside his anger and pointed in the direction of the native settlement.

‘What about the king? You heard Calumus’s messenger. They’re going to sacrifice Trenagasus tomorrow.’ He pursed his lips then added quietly, ‘And my comrades, too.’

‘What can we do, Optio? Our hands are tied.’

‘We could try and negotiate their release.’

‘Out of the question. We’re dealing with fanatics. There’s no negotiating with such scum. Besides, they’re not interested. They only care about driving every last Roman from Britannia.’ The envoy cursed bitterly and shook his head.

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